Page 355 - IGC BOOK

Safe Systems of Work

Systems of work must be designed and implemented to minimise fire risk in the workplace. The
degree to which this is done, and the exact procedures implemented should be decided through the
risk assessment process by a competent person.

An example of a safe system of work applied to fire safety is the use of a permit-to-work system to
control hot work (where naked flames or a significant ignition source will be created).

Typical precautions for control of hot work include the following:

• Flammable materials are removed from the work area.
• Items that cannot be removed are covered with fire-retardant blankets.
• The floor must be clean.
• A wooden floor is damped down.
• A suitable type of fire extinguisher needs to be placed.
• A ‘fire-watcher’ must present in the area.
• The work area is visited routinely, after the work has finished, checking the area for smouldering.

Good Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is not just about cleanliness; it lays basic foundation for accident and fire
prevention. It requires attention to details, such as the layout of the worksite or facility, identification
and marking of physical hazards, ensuring the adequate number of storage facilities, and routine
maintenance.
Waste-free – by removing waste on a regular basis so that it does not build up and increase fire risk
as a potential fuel source (e.g. emptying full litter bins).

Tidy – so that flammable and ignition sources are returned to safe storage after use (e.g. solvent
returned to the solvent store).

Well-ordered – so that fuel and ignition sources are kept separate (e.g. ensuring fan heaters are not
obstructed).
Pedestrian routes clear – so that they can be used in the event of a fire evacuation (e.g. no
obstructions by the office fire escape door).

Here are some of the many benefits that can be gained when implementing good workplace
housekeeping:

• Improved Worker Safety
• Improved Worker Health
• Increased Worker Productivity/Reduced Costs

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 10 –Fire 10